Damn.
'Twas not a good weekend for big teams outside of the non-BCS conferences. Of last week's top 10, half lost, four won and one was idle. C'mon guys. We need a better effort out of you. Underdog-lovers everywhere are counting on you to come through. Don't let us down.
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| Kellen Moore and Boise State were forced into a shootout at Fresno. (AP) |
1. Boise State, 3-0
Last week: 2
Result: Won 51-34 at Fresno State
The Broncos survived what was expected to be their toughest remaining game on the schedule by turning the Fresno game into a track meet. But my hunch is that there are still going to be plenty of panic-time moments to come for BSU -- especially with the defense that showed up in central California this weekend.
Next: at Bowling Green, Saturday
2. TCU, 2-0
Last week: 3
Result: Won 56-21 vs. Texas State
Much to coach Gary Patterson's dismay, the Frogs had things on cruise control vs. TSU. But they still played lockdown defense, limiting the Bobcats to just 249 yards. Defensive end Jerry Hughes is back to his usual tricks with his 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks on the day.
Next: at Clemson, Saturday
3. Houston, 2-0
Last week: 4
Result: Bye week
The Cougars spent the weekend nervously watching Texas Tech out-gain Texas 414-335 and make everyone in the country wonder just how good the Longhorns really are. Or better yet, how good Tech is. OK Coogs, the spotlight's on you this week.
Next: vs. Texas Tech, Saturday
4. Notre Dame, 2-1
Last week: 6
Result: Won 33-30 vs. Michigan State
The luck of the Irish is in full effect now. Just think about that easy game-winning touchdown Michigan State would've had if Kevin Cousins hadn't horribly overthrown a wide-open Larry Caper in the back of the end zone just one play before the game-sealing interception.
Next: at Purdue, Saturday
5. Colorado State, 3-0
Last week: Unranked
Result: Won 35-20 vs. Nevada
The opportunistic Rams get four of their five scoring drives off of turnovers, as they forced three fumbles and a pair of picks. State now looks for some program-defining wins as they play BYU, Utah and TCU in the next four weeks.
Next: at BYU, Saturday
6. Brigham Young, 2-1
Last week: 1
Result: Lost 54-28 vs. Florida State
The biggest game to hit Provo since No. 1 Miami visited in 1990 and THIS is how the Cougars respond? Aye caramba! Five turnovers, giving up 512 yards of offense and possessing the ball for just 20 minutes of the game, this was a face-plant of epic proportions.
Next: vs. Colorado State, Saturday
7. Utah, 2-1
Last week: 5
Result: Lost 31-24 at Oregon
It's official now, the Ducks end the nation's best win streak at 16 games. Utah nabbed four turnovers and forced Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli into an awful 4-for-16 performance, yet still couldn't come up with the W in Autzen Stadium.
Next: vs. Louisville, Saturday
8. Southern Mississippi, 3-0
Last week: 8
Result: Won 37-34 vs. Virginia
The Eagles haven't lit the world on fire with their play so far this season, but this was still a win over a BCS team. Ronnie Thornton and Korey Williams were both all over the field with each having 15 tackles in the game.
Next: at Kansas, Saturday
9. Middle Tennessee, 2-1
Last week: Unranked
Result: Won 32-31 at Maryland
Alan Gendreau kicked the game-winning field goal as time ran out, giving the Raiders a huge road win. If you're looking for an MVP, check out what defensive end Chris McCoy did in the game: 11 tackles, four for loss, a fumble recovery, a sack, a pass breakup and most importantly, a blocked field goal.
Next: at North Texas, Saturday
The 10-spot: Linfield College, 2-0
Last week: Unranked
Result: Won at No. 21 Occidental, 31-27
The honorary 10th spot goes to the D-III Wildcats. Go ahead, name another team that has gone on the road each week of the season and beaten a ranked team in all of them? You can't, I know. Linfield has beaten No. 4 Hardin-Simmons and the Tigers so far in '09. QB Aaron Boehm went 17-of-30 for 172 yards and a touchdown, ran for 56 yards and another TD and finally, caught a 21-pass in a very full day.
Next: at Southern Oregon, Saturday
